Album: Saxophone Colossus by Sonny Rollins (1956)
Genre: Jazz
Format: Album

Description: Saxophone Colossus is one of Sonny Rollins' most acclaimed albums. Recorded and released in 1956, it has been awarded a rare Crown by The Penguin Guide to Jazz, and is widely considered the masterpiece of his mid-1950s series of recordings for Prestige Records and one of the greatest albums ever issued on that label.

Artist Background: Rollins was born in New York City, to parents who were born in the United States Virgin Islands. Rollins received his first saxophone at age 13. He attended Benjamin Franklin High School in East Harlem. He said that a concert by Frank Sinatra there, accompanied by a plea for racial harmony, changed his life. Rollins started as a pianist, changed to alto saxophone, and finally switched to tenor in 1946. During his high-school years, he played in a band with other future jazz legends Jackie McL... Part of the New York City music scene. Emerged in the classic era. Associated with Jazz movement.

Music Scene: Part of the New York City music scene. Emerged in the classic era. Associated with Jazz movement.

Tags: Jazz, classic, Album

Additional Context: Rating score: 9. Based on 1 votes. Available on Discogs marketplace


Saxophone Colossus is one of Sonny Rollins' most acclaimed albums. Recorded and released in 1956, it has been awarded a rare Crown by The Penguin Guide to Jazz, and is widely considered the masterpiece of his mid-1950s series of recordings for Prestige Records and one of the greatest albums ever issued on that label.

Saxophone Colossus

Sonny Rollins

Track List

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